Monkey bread is one of those magical recipes that instantly brings people together. Imagine warm, golden bites of soft dough, coated in cinnamon sugar, baked to perfection, and dripping with a sticky caramel glaze. That’s monkey bread — a comfort food classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Popular in American kitchens since the 1950s, this pull-apart bread has become a favorite at brunches, holiday gatherings, and family breakfasts. Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for something irresistible and easy, monkey bread is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Monkey Bread Recipe
- Easy to make: Uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly.
- Perfect for sharing: Everyone pulls apart their own piece, making it fun and interactive.
- Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of icing for extra flavor.
- Crowd-pleaser: A guaranteed hit for holidays, brunches, or weekend treats.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Monkey Bread
- Refrigerated biscuit dough – the base that makes this recipe quick and foolproof.
- Granulated sugar & cinnamon – create the warm, sweet coating on every bite.
- Butter – adds richness and helps create the caramelized glaze.
- Brown sugar – melts into butter for that gooey, sticky finish.
- Optional add-ins (nuts or raisins) – add crunch or bursts of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Monkey Bread
- Preheat your oven and lightly grease a bundt pan.
- Cut the biscuit dough into small bite-sized pieces.
- Coat the dough pieces by tossing them in cinnamon and sugar until fully covered.
- Layer in the bundt pan, sprinkling in nuts or raisins if using.
- Melt butter with brown sugar and pour the mixture evenly over the dough.
- Bake until golden brown, about 35–40 minutes, until bubbling and set.
- Cool slightly before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm and pull apart!
Expert Tip: Let the monkey bread cool for 5 minutes before flipping it onto a plate — this helps the glaze set slightly while still keeping it gooey.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it festive: Add cranberries or orange zest for a holiday twist.
- Extra indulgent: Drizzle cream cheese glaze or powdered sugar icing on top.
- Savory version: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, use garlic, herbs, and cheese for a savory pull-apart bread.
- Diet-friendly swaps: Use whole wheat dough or reduced sugar for a lighter version.
How to Store & Reheat
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds per piece or cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to refresh.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this gooey and irresistible monkey bread, you’ll definitely want to try a few more comforting baked treats. For a hearty, homemade classic, check out this Sourdough Bread Recipe — perfect for everyday meals. When you’re craving something festive and spiced, these Gingerbread Cookies are a must-bake. And for a cozy, seasonal loaf, don’t miss this moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bread. Each one is a delicious way to keep your kitchen smelling amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is it called monkey bread?
A: Because it’s eaten by pulling apart pieces with your fingers, similar to how monkeys pick and snack.
Q: Can I make monkey bread ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next morning.
Q: Do I need a bundt pan?
A: A bundt pan gives the classic shape, but you can also use a loaf pan or casserole dish. Baking time may vary.
Q: Can I freeze monkey bread?
A: Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Monkey bread is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. With its gooey caramelized glaze, soft cinnamon-coated pieces, and endless variation options, it’s a treat that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or just because, this monkey bread will become a family favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creation — everyone will be reaching for “just one more piece.”
Monkey Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough 16 oz each
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- ½ cup raisins optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously.
- Cut biscuit dough into quarters.
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl. Toss dough pieces until evenly coated.
- Layer coated dough into the prepared bundt pan, sprinkling in nuts and raisins if desired.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together, stirring until smooth. Pour over dough.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool for 5–10 minutes before carefully inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm and pull apart.